Nikita Zadorov

Nikita Sergeyevich Zadorov (Russian: Никита Сергеевич Задоров; born 16 April 1995) is a Russian professional ice hockey defenceman for the Boston Bruins of the National Hockey League (NHL). He was originally drafted by the Buffalo Sabres in the first round, 16th overall, in the 2013 NHL entry draft.

Following a second-round exit with the Avalanche in the 2019 Stanley Cup playoffs, on 11 May 2019, Zadorov was a late inclusion on the Russian squad to make his senior international debut at the 2019 IIHF World Championships held in Bratislava, Slovakia.

Zadorov married his wife in 2015. They have two daughters, who were born in 2017 and 2020, and a son born in 2025. In the offseason, Zadorov resides in Miami, Florida.

In September 2023, Zadorov spoke with Russian journalist Yury Dud about politics, including the Russian invasion of Ukraine, which he opposes. Zadorov said that Russian NHL players had attempted to form a joint statement about the war via Telegram, but failed to reach any agreement. Speaking to Canadian media the day after the interview's release, Zadorov said: "I probably can't go back anytime soon." In May 2024, Iain McIntyre of Sportsnet called Zadorov a "player without a country".